Poised to be a starter in the Western Hockey League, Blaine Neufeld might have to wait a little longer.

But first, he'll have to prove himself to a new team.

The Winkler-product was dealt by Medicine Hat to Saskatoon earlier this week, his services deemed expendable by the Tigers after they received 2005-06 starter Matt Keetley back from the Calgary Flames training camp.

Neufeld, 19, was 5-3 as a backup last season, with a stingy 2.52 GAA. Three games into the WHL campaign, Neufeld had already picked up two wins before being shipped to the Blades for a conditional 2007 draft pick.

"In making this trade we believe that we have strengthened our goaltending tandem," Saskatoon coach and general manager Lorne Molleken said in a release. "In Blaine we also have acquired a netminder who brings a great deal of experience."

Neufeld will have to fight for net-time, however, as the Blades already have Braden Holtby stopping pucks for them.